Christian Apologetics Concentration

Degree in Biblical Studies (MABS)

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Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Christian Apologetics through Capital Seminary & Graduate School?

Defend the Faith

If you want to grow in your ability to more accurately understand the Bible and defend your faith, our Christian apologetics program is for you.

God’s people are called to love him with all their minds, in addition to their hearts and strength. With the increasing pluralism and antagonism to Christianity, believers must be prepared to give a defense for their hope. That’s why Lancaster Bible College is proud to offer a master’s degree in apologetics. This concentration prepares students to think critically about the various religious and non-religious belief systems that challenge the truth of Christianity. It equips them to effectively engage any person or thought-system with the truth of the Christian faith. This is a benefit to the church and the cause of Christ as a whole.

What Makes our Program Different?

The program is delivered in a blended and accelerated model that allows life-engaged adult learners to complete an advanced degree without uprooting life at home and work. Students participate in a learning community that blends online education with in-class residencies. A typical course is 7 weeks in length and is comprised of 6 weeks of online work and two days of residency. Additionally, because of our partnership with Faithlife, we are able to provide you with a Logos Bible Software package worth over $4,000 for a fraction of the cost, and already built into the cost of M.A.B.S., M.A.M., and M.Div. programs. Capital is committed to equipping students with the skill-set needed for successful ministry in the 21st century. We believe this includes taking full advantage of the technologies that are relevant and applicable to their context. The Capital Logos Package combines a custom-designed library of exegetical resources and the powerful tools of Logos Bible Software. This combination will aid our students in being faithful to the Biblical text as they navigate the demands of life and ministry. Additionally, you can:

Earn your degree from a college that the Wall Street Journal ranked 3rd in the nation for career preparation.
Study at an accredited Bible college.
Learn from experienced and caring faculty who actively serve in ministry.

Other Concentration Offered:

Your Journey

Program Credits: 48

Locations: Lancaster, Washington DC,

Average Completion Time: 1 ½ – 2 years

Cost Per Credit: $535

Residency: 2 day residency for every 6-week blended course

Capstone Option: Research project, 2 additional elective course OR field-based experiences

International Student

Click to view requirements to enter USA as a student.

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness…” – 2 Timothy 3:16–17

In This Program, Students Will Develop…

A foundational knowledge of the narrative, content, and interpretation of the Bible for the purposes of the development of a biblical worldview.
The skill sets necessary in effectively communicating the Scriptures.
The skills necessary in the process of personal spiritual formation and discipleship of others.
The character and competencies necessary to be an authentic servant leader.
The skills necessary to study the Bible using the tools of biblical interpretation and language study.
Experiential learning and research skills for maintaining life-long education.

CURRICULUM PLAN

MABS in Christian Apologetics (48 Credits)

Biblical and Theological Studies:12 Credits

Ministry Praxis:6 Credits

Biblical Languages: 12 Credits

Concentration Courses: 12 Credits

Open Electives:6 Credits

View the CATALOG for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions, and further detail about this program.

Hear from a Student: Master's

“I chose Capital because it was accessible, affordable, practical and theologically solid. It was a balanced, comprehensive program that fit my life. I was also learning things that I was able to apply immediately. I came out of the class on The Life & Work of the Leader and taught it to my elders within a week!”

– Doug Logan (’16)

Meet the Faculty

Mark Farnham, Ph.D.

Professor, MABS in Christian Apologetics Program Director

“Young pastors face a far more complex world than previous generations, so be sure you get the best possible preparation for ministry.” — Dr. Farnham

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Mark Farnham, Ph.D.

Professor, MABS in Christian Apologetics Program Director

mfarnham@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5553

Dr. Mark Farnham has been training future pastors for more than fifteen years at the undergraduate and seminary level. He was born and raised in western Connecticut, and knew he wanted to be a pastor by the time he was twelve years old. After seminary he led the revitalization of an urban church in New London, CT for seven years as the senior pastor. Since that time he has taught Apologetics, Systematic Theology, Ethics, and Church History in seminary, and Pastoral Studies at LBC. He is also the Founder and Director of Apologetics for the Church, a local church training ministry dedicated to equipping the average church member to effectively defend and share the Christian faith. He earned the PhD in Apologetics from Westminster Theological Seminary and a ThM in New Testament from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He loves preparing future pastors and watching God move them into positions of service in the local church for the glory of God and the shepherding of His flock. He blogs at https://apolotheo.wordpress.com.

Education

Ph.D., Westminster Theological Seminary, Apologetics
Th.M.,Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, New Testament
M.Div., Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, Pastoral Ministry
B.A., Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Pastoral Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Hiking, fishing, travel, history, New England sports teams

Verse

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV)

Samuel Harbin, D.Min.

Professor, Chair of Bible & Theology Department

“I want my students to deeply appreciate the importance of the gospel for every aspect of their life and ministry.” — Dr. Harbin

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Samuel Harbin, D.Min.

Professor, Chair of Bible & Theology Department

sharbin@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5442

Sam Harbin is blessed to have been a follower of Jesus Christ since childhood, and brings more than 30 years of experience in pastoral and Christian higher education ministry to the classroom. He has served in a variety of roles, including assistant pastor, senior pastor, seminary chaplain and professor, and seminary president. His ministry has taken him throughout the United States and to seven countries internationally. Sam holds degrees from Indiana Baptist College (B.A., 1982), Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity, 1985), and Dallas Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, 2001). His doctoral studies focused on effective interpretation and communication of Old Testament narratives. As chair of the Bible & Theology department, Sam enjoys leading his talented team to serve with excellence every program at Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Tasked with providing the biblical and theological content for every major, the Bible & Theology team seek to build growing believers who understand Scripture and know how to integrate biblical truth into life and service regardless of vocational calling. Sam teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of hermeneutics, English Bible, and homiletics. He also maintains an active speaking and consulting ministry and particularly enjoys serving local churches who are in the pastoral search process. He holds pastoral counseling certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Sam and his wife, Elaine, have three grown sons and two grandchildren. They reside in Manheim, PA.

Publications

“The Office of Deacon in the Local Church,” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 2:2 (Fall 1986): 22-28.
“The Emerging Church: A Journey Back to the Future,” Frontline Magazine, July-August 2005:37-39.
“Transformed Hearts, Transformed Homes: An Imaginative Dramatic Narrative Sermon for Father’s Day,” Preaching Journal (online edition), (May-June 2007).

Education

D.Min., Dallas Theological Seminary,
M.Div., Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary,
B.A., Indiana Baptist College, Pastoral Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Indiana Hoosiers basketball, playing stringed instruments, woodworking, hunting

Verse

“Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Col. 1:28)

Daniel Carver, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Bible & Theology

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Douglas Finkbeiner, Ph.D.

Professor and M.A.B.S. Director

“It is my great joy to know Christ and to minister His Word to others for His glory.” — Dr. Finkbeiner

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Douglas Finkbeiner, Ph.D.

Professor and M.A.B.S. Director

dfinkbeiner@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5372

Dr. Doug Finkbeiner and his wife Sheri have been married for 32 years and have 6 children between the ages of 20 and 29. Doug has 13 years of pastoral experience and speaks extensively at churches and conferences. In 1997 Doug became a full-time professor at Calvary Baptist Seminary and began teaching in the area of New Testament and Practical Theology. In 2014 Doug became a full-time professor at Lancaster Bible College, where he teaches primarily in the area of the New Testament at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level. He especially enjoys teaching undergraduate and graduate students how to interpret and communicate the Bible. He has completed four graduate degrees-- a Master of Divinity from Calvary Baptist Seminary (1985), a Master of Theology from Calvary Baptist Seminary (1989), a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary (1995), and a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania (2010). While his doctoral degree at Denver Seminary focused on preaching, his doctoral degree at the University of Pennsylvania focused on Early Judaism and Early Christianity.

Publications

“An Examination of ‘Make Disciples of All Nations’ (Part 1): Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 7:1 (1991): 12-42.
“An Examination of ‘Make Disciples of All Nations’ (Part 2),” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 7:2 (1991): 1-10.
“Variety in Worship: ‘Innovation, not Accommodation,’” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 9:2 (1993): 17-25.
“An Analysis of the Structure of Proverbs 28-29,” Calvary Baptist Theological Journal 11:2 (1995): 1-14.
“Peeling Away the Layers,” Frontline Magazine, November/December 2007, 16-17.
Review of The Samaritans in Flavius Josephus, by Reinhard Pummer, in Journal of the American Oriental Society, 2011 (131.1), 8-9.
“Think about it: A call to engage with our culture through thoughtful evaluation,” Echo Magazine, Summer, 2017.

Education

Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
D.Min., Denver Seminary
Th.M., Calvary Baptist Seminary
M.Div., Calvary Baptist Seminary

Verse

Phil. 3:10

Gordon Gregory, D.Th.

Professor of Bible & Theology, Faculty Athletic Representative

“Theology is critical because God’s goal for his children is conformity to Christ and one of God’s chief means of transforming us into the image of Christ is knowledge of the truths of Scripture.” — Dr. Gregory

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Gordon Gregory, D.Th.

Professor of Bible & Theology, Faculty Athletic Representative

ggregory@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5367

Gordon is a 1982 Bachelors Degree graduate of LBC in Pastoral Studies who went on to earn his Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1986 and his Doctorate of Theology from the University of South Africa in 2004. He served as a missionary in South Africa doing church planting from 1988-2000 and teaching and administrating at a Bible College from 1999-2005. He then returned to LBC as Undergraduate Dean from 2006-2010. Since 2010 he has served in the Bible & Theology Department, mainly teaching Theology courses. He has also led Journey Teams to South Africa, enjoys mentoring students, and is the college's NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. Gordon married his wife Beth in 1982 and they have four grown children (three of whom are or soon will be LBC grads) and two grandchildren. Beth also graduated from LBC with a Bachelors Degree in Missions and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Gordon is also involved in his local church as an elder, adult Sunday School teacher, former chairman of the missions committee, plus mentoring missionaries-in-training and engaged couples. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, sports, and doing word and number puzzles.

Education

D.Th., University of South Africa, Missiology
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, Systematic Theology
B.S., Lancaster Bible College, Bible/Pastoral Studies

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Play squash, watching sports, walking, reading, number & word puzzles

Verse

Rom. 8:28-29; 2 Cor. 3:18

Albin Huss, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

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Victor Jacobs, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

“I want my students to learn to fix their gaze on our Risen Savior, even as they deepen their understanding of His word.” — Dr. Jacobs

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Victor Jacobs, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

vjacobs@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5441

Victor S. Jacobs is a faculty member of the Bible and Theology Department at Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary and Graduate School and has been teaching for almost twenty years. Fifteen of those years were spent at Cairn University. Victor teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate (seminary) levels on such topics as the Trinity, hermeneutics, Biblical Greek, and the Gospels. He serves as an ordained minister at his local church. He is married with two children, and resides in southern New Jersey.

Publications:

“Arthrous Occurrence and Function in the Pauline Corpus.” New York: Edwin Mellen Press (August 2010) (Book Publication)
“The Desires of Your Heart.” PBU Today (now Cairn Magazine; Spring 2008) (Magazine Publication)
“The Christian’s Heavenly Perspective.” PBU Today (now Cairn Magazine; Spring 2011) (Magazine Publication)

Education

Ph.D., University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, New Testament Textual Criticism
Th.M., Biblical Theological Seminary, Biblical Hebrew & Aramaic
M.S., Cairn University, Biblical Studies
B.S., Chadwick University, Business Administration
A.S., New England College of Finance

Fun Fact

Hobbies: reading, travel, exercise

Verse

2 Corinthians 3.18

Joe Kim, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

“I want my students to know that learning doesn’t end in the classroom – it is where it begins.” — Dr. Kim

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Mark Meyer, Ph.D.

Professor, PhD in Biblical Studies Program Director

“I aim to see each student equipped, enlightened and strengthened for their high calling to ministry.” — Dr. Meyer

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Mark Meyer, Ph.D.

Professor, PhD in Biblical Studies Program Director

mmeyer@lbc.edu

301.552.1400 ext: 5877

Dr. Mark Meyer serves as the Director of the PhD in Biblical Studies program. Dr. Meyer initially served the Lord in the field of engineering prior to his call to full-time Christian ministry. After earning his BS in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University, he went on to complete the MS in Electrical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University while also pursuing the MDiv degree at Capital Bible Seminary. During his time working as an engineer for the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, he completed the MA and PhD in Semitic Languages and Literatures at Catholic University. Dr. Meyer also completed studies in Israel with Jerusalem University College, focusing on the historical and geographical settings of the Bible and the life and times of Jesus. He is the author of A Comparative Dialectical Study of Genitive Constructions in Aramaic Translations of Exodus, and he recently translated the book of Exodus from the Syriac Peshitta into English for The Antioch Bible Set. In addition to serving as the director, Dr. Meyer teaches a number of courses in the program. His area of expertise is the biblical languages and the languages of the Ancient Near Eastern cultures which surrounded the nation of Israel during both the Old and New Testament periods. In addition to his facility with Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, Dr. Meyer is conversant in Akkadian, Ugaritic, and Syriac. With this unique skill set, Dr. Meyer brings the ancient world of the Bible to life for students in courses like BIB903 OT Backgrounds, BIB905 OT Exegesis, and BIB911 New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Additionally, he teaches BIB901 Advanced Biblical Research & Writing and BIB907 Reading French. Dr. Meyer is passionate about equipping students with even greater ministry and teaching skills as they pursue a deeper understanding of the Word of God through the study of the original languages, cultures, and literatures that serve as the foundations of Scripture. His door is always open to his students, and his ready words of encouragement always point them to the Lord. Dr. Meyer is married to his college sweetheart, Karen. While he is passionate about teaching seminary students, he and Karen also have a great love for the local church and especially for international congregations. They have served side by side in a wide variety of these ministries from the time they first met in college, beginning with their ministry with the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of North Carolina State University. An ordained minister since 1993, Dr. Meyer has also served as the English Pastor for Korean and Chinese congregations and as a pastor and elder in other churches. He currently preaches and teaches in a number of local churches, including Hengtong Church in Baltimore and The Light of Life, a Chinese congregation which meets in the chapel of Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Meyer and his wife reside in Columbia, Maryland.

Education

Ph.D., The Catholic University of America, Semitic Languages and Literature
M.A.,The Catholic University of America, Hebrew and Aramaic
M.Div., Capital Bible Seminary, Biblical Studies
M.S., The Johns Hopkins University, Electrical Engineering
B.S., North Carolina State University, Electrical Engineering

Fun Fact

Hobbies: Exercise

Verse

Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Timothy Nicholls, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

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Tony Shetter, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

“Biblical higher education is important for the proper handling of God’s Word.” – Dr. Shetter

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John Soden, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

“My motivation for teaching can best be summarized by Paul’s words in Colossians 1:28 – “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (ESV). — Dr. Soden

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John Soden, Ph.D.

Professor of Bible & Theology

jsoden@lbc.edu

717.569.7071 ext: 5382

John Soden was blessed to grow up in a pastor’s family and trusted Christ at an early age. Desiring from high school to serve the kingdom in some full-time capacity, John attended Biola University (B.S. in Physical Science, 1978), followed by Dallas Theological seminary (Th.M., 1983, and Ph.D., 1989, both in Semitics and Old Testament Studies). After nearly 10 years of pastoral ministry in rural Colorado, God brought John, his wife Janet, and their three children to Lancaster to train men and women for service to the kingdom. John has been teaching at Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary since the fall of 1998. His mission, in the words of Paul, is to “proclaim [Christ], warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). The pastorate was a wonderful experience for the Sodens and was very difficult to leave, but teaching has always been a passion and a pleasure. John has the privilege of teaching and serving on the elder board of his local church, as well as teaching and preaching in Lancaster and across the globe. His teaching on both the undergraduate and graduate levels has included various aspects of Old Testament studies, Hebrew, hermeneutics, and even preaching. In 2012 he published In the Beginning…We Misunderstood with Kregel. John loves playing games with his family, traveling, everything outdoors, playing his guitar, and taking students of all ages to Israel for touring and archaeology. With their three children and one grandchild grown and scattered, John and his wife Janet live close to the college in Lancaster, PA.

Publications

"Concordism." "Cosmology, Biblical." "Death." "Eden." "Ronald Numbers." In Dictionary of Christianity and Science: The Definitive Reference for the Intersection of Christian Faith and Contemporary Science, edited by Paul Copan, Tremper Longman, Christopher L. Reese and Michael G. Strauss: Zondervan, 2017.
Review of Adam, Eve and the Devil, by Marjo Korpel and Johannes de Moor (Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2014), Journal for the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament 5.1 (2016): 82-85.
“From the Dust: Creating Adam in Historical Context,” Bibliotheca Sacra 172 (January-March 2015): 3-11
In the Beginning . . We Misunderstood: Interpreting Genesis 1 in Its Original Context. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2012. (With Johnny V. Miller)
"Samson: The Image of Israel’s Loyalties in Judges."Evangelical Journal 26/2 (2008): 65-78.
“How Do We Assess the Lives We Encounter?” President’s Perspective, winter 2003.
“The Use of Psalm 45:7-8 (6-7) in Hebrews 1:8-9,” Exegesis and Exposition; 1987.

Education

Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary, Semitics and Old Testament Studies
Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary, Semitics and old Testament Studies
B.S., Biola University, Physical Science; Minor: Mathematical Science

Fun Fact

Hobbies: outdoor sports and activities, squash, travel, gardening, games with my family

Verse

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28 (ESV)

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Lancaster, PA Main Campus

Washington, D.C. Location

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Christian Apologetics Concentration

Degree in Biblical Studies (MABS)

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Christian Apologetics through Capital Seminary & Graduate School?

What Makes our Program Different?

Other Concentration Offered:

Your Journey

In This Program, Students Will Develop…

CURRICULUM PLAN

MABS in Christian Apologetics (48 Credits)

Hear from a Student: Master's

– Doug Logan (’16)

Meet the Faculty

Mark Farnham, Ph.D.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Samuel Harbin, D.Min.

Publications

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Daniel Carver, Ph.D.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Douglas Finkbeiner, Ph.D.

Publications

Education

Verse

Gordon Gregory, D.Th.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Albin Huss, Ph.D.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Victor Jacobs, Ph.D.

Publications:

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Joe Kim, Ph.D.

Publications:

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Mark Meyer, Ph.D.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

Timothy Nicholls, Ph.D.

Education

Fun Fact

Tony Shetter, Ph.D.

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

John Soden, Ph.D.

Publications

Education

Fun Fact

Verse

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